The Little Dragons

Before the Kings came, the People of the Land had an agreement with the Dragons. It was negotiated by the Dragon Priestesses, who could communicate with those fearsome beasts through their familiars, the Little Dragons. The Kings, however, knew only the way of the sword. In their war against the Dragons, they killed their smaller cousins as well, along with the

Overview

Before the Kings came, the People of the Land had an agreement with the Dragons. It was negotiated by the Dragon Priestesses, who could communicate with those fearsome beasts through their familiars, the Little Dragons. The Kings, however, knew only the way of the sword. In their war against the Dragons, they killed their smaller cousins as well, along with the Priestesses who cared for them. The revenge of the Dragons was disastrous for both peoples, forcing everyone to live their lives at night, when the Dragons sleep in their caves in the mountains.Feeling her age breathing on the back of her neck, Mother Peg, a Senior Healer of the Earth People, is determined to track down the persistent rumours that some of the doomed Dragon Priestesses shared their knowledge with the Healers who sheltered them. On the other side of the Realm, powerful King Anglewart of the Westlands, as determined as Mother Peg to find the Little Dragons, sends a search expedition to the mountains.Others become caught up in the quest: King Anglewart’s spirited wife, Queen Melisande, and their daughter, Liandra, apparently pregnant, although she denies ever lying with a man; Mother Peg’s servant, Maida, who dreams of becoming a Healer despite her origins as the daughter of a cheesemaker; Gleve, newly confirmed as a Healer and worried about what will happen to his beloved elderly teacher, Father Mallory, when he leaves; Keiran of Hanford, who survives the dangers of the King’s expedition to the Dragon caves, only to be beaten and left for dead by his own companions; Jessa and Ev, two lowly servants in the Women’s Retreat House, where young noblewomen commit themselves to craft and prayer, and widows retire to live out their days.Danger surrounds each of these people—Dragons, of course, but also their antagonism towards one another. They cannot know that each bears a unique clue to the secret knowledge of the Dragon Priestesses.

"This is an awesome book! I love the author’s boldness, writing outside the box, giving me twists and turns and unexpected plots. This is a nice long story where you get character development in the first ten or so chapters, then get the rest of the book to continue traveling along with people you now know and love (or hate)." Cynikat, Podiobooks subscriber.

"I was thoroughly enchanted and delighted by the best book I have listened to in a very long time.It is a well-crafted world of fantasy; man-eating dragons, little dragons, unfaithful kings, banished queens and princesses, Earth people, King’s men, witch healers, and Little Dragon Keepers all trying to survive in a very believable world.As a well-written story should, it got under my skin. I laughed, gasped in surprise, cheered on and cried. It will be in my mind for a very long time." Arlene Radasky, author of The Fox.

Would you rather listen to The Little Dragons? An earlier version is available as a free serialized audiobook on Podiobooks.com.

A WarningThis book contains mature themes and is not intended for children. Also, two of the female characters share a loving lesbian relationship and one of the male characters is attracted to his male friend. Several Podiobooks listeners have found this offensive. Others have found it delightful, especially those who rarely see themselves reflected in the pages of fantasy fiction.

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Meet the Author

My “real life” name is Anne Bishop. As Anne, I am the author of seven non-fiction books, including one that has been published in five countries. The fact that I share my name with at least two other published non-fiction authors gives rise to occasional questions, but has not been a problem. When I decided to experiment with writing fantasy fiction, however, my name became an issue. As many readers of fantasy will know, Anne Bishop is a well known American fantasy writer with thirteen novels to her credit, including the well-known Black Jewels Trilogy. She has also copyrighted her/our name. For the past two years, I have been attending readings and taking part in discussion about fiction writing in Second Life, a user-created virtual world where my name is Rowan Starsmith. So, when I decided to put my experimental fantasy novel out there for others to share, I took Rowan Starsmith as my nom-de-plume. As Anne, I live in rural Nova Scotia, Canada. In summer, my partner and I raise vegetables, fruit, chickens and sheep. In winter, I write and edit. This spring, I won the Nova Scotia Writers' Federation's H.R. (Bill) Percy Prize for an unpublished adult novel. Blessed are the Poor will begin searching for a publisher this fall. All year I spin and knit yarn and operate an online wool shop.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

A very good story especialy if you like dragons. This story comes to an end much too soon. Hopefully there will be a second book. While the author gave a warning, nothing in this book was explicite. It only eludes to the love between two women and and unexplored love between two men. Enjoy!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I became so involved with this book I didn't realize I had read half of it so quickly. One of those where did the pages go type of things.
I highly reccomend this novel. Full of an original fantasy world with lots of twists and turns. Some tearful parts, laughs and more.
There is a warning in the beginning..... this novel contains homosexual loving relayionships. To those who complained about that GROW UP. You do not have to read it.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I absolutly loved this book. I thought over 800 pages would take a while to read, but just like the other reviewers I could not put it down. I would love for the author to write another book. I would love to read more. I didnt care for the gay relationships but the details did not go to far to take away from the story. Please give us more!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

This story ended much too soon! I need more! Great storyline and characters, can't wait to see whats next for the remaining characters! Definitely a must read.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I could not put it down. This is a truly enchanting tale. I cannot wait to read more about these characters. Please say you will tell us about the rebirth of the dragon priestesses.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

This book is written so well. The attention to detail and the unfaultering sequnces are amazing. I could not put it down!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I liked this novel quite a bit. The story flowed well and despite some typographical errors was very easy reading. At a little under 900 pgs. it was a well thought out and well developed story. I felt the characters were fleshed out nicely. I find myself disagreeing with the other reviewers who felt they disliked the ending. I quite liked the whole experience. I recommend this book and will look for more of this author's work.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Great novel. Just like everyone else's review wish it would have gone on...... Please come out with another soon!!! Can't leave us hanging like that. :)

Green_Lass

More than 1 year ago

As some readers point out, this is an adult book. The author DOES let you know right from the start of the book though. The author was not overly graphic in her descriptions of the few intimate moments in the book. As for the person who complains about &quot;explicit sex with animals, including pregnancy, birth and nursing as a result&quot; There are many 'romance' novels out there that are more graphic.explicit than this one. While I understand that dragons are 'animals' they are more intelligent than most of the animal kingdom (dare I say even humans?) in most fantasy worlds.
I personally didn't find the brief portions of 'erotic' content distasteful. I actually found the author's premise of how little dragons came about to be a rather interesting twist. The author did a fantastic job of weaving together this world and fleshing out the characters. I hope that she will continue the story in a second book.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Loved this book! I could not put it down and wish there was sequel. There was nothing explicite in this book dispite the authors warning. I would highly recomend this book to others.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Great book. Characters are easy to follow and develope well throughout the story. Plot keeps you turning to the next page. Hope there is another book to follow up with these characters and what they ALL decide.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Loved it

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

What a fun and unique story. I have read a lot of fantasy fiction, but this story is full of new ideas and fascinating story lines. If you enjoy fantasy, I highly recommend this book.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

i loved this book; it was so, so good! can anyone tell me if there's a second book?

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

This was very difficult to put down and join reality. My only wish was to have more to read. The story ended way too soon, and Rowan must write more for our curious hearts!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

This story was sure a surprise. A lot going and keeps you guessing. Wish it had ended with more of the story being tol. Hope to see more from this author.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I adore this book... I would love to read a second continuing the story... If you like fantasy and aren't squeemish or close minded you would love this novel!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

This is one of the best books I have read in a long time with great characters, an interesting plot, and above all a writer with real talent! I would have paid for this, but it's free. I almost hope the writer charges (at least a little) for the next book. I would happily pay it!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Well written Didn't want it to end

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I read the first half in one night. The only problem, I had to work the next day on a couple hours sleep, and I'm a phlebotomist! When I finished the book, I quickly went to the b&n site and was completely disappointed when I discovered that there isn't a sequel. Please, please write a sequel!!!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

This is the kind of book that people should be paying for. I would have gladly paid for it any day had I known how amazing it is. It's very well-written and extremely unique. Those complaining about the mature content simply didn't read the warning in the beginning, and they should have paid attention to it. I didn't think that what the rest consider 'mature' was really that mature at all--it was an excellent plot twist that actually made me put my Nook down for a few seconds just to gape into space because I was so shocked.
A beautiful piece of art. Nothing this good can be called nothing less than art. I would reccommend this book to anyone, any day.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I just could not put this down. The story was great but ended too soon. I hope she continues this with a second book as I wanted to know how things were resolved with several of the characters

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I truly enjoyed this book. Who wouldn't love one about Dragons and Dragon Priestesses? I like the way it divides the Kings men and the Earth people, then brings them together. Rowan Starsmith as an interesting twist which creates the connection between the Priestess, the little dragons, and the great dragons. I think the creation of such a connection is brilliant. The only downside, is it wasn't longer for me to keep reading more!!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

This book was amazing, probably for a girl over the age of 16 though.
Not really intended for children i would assume because there are some "53x" related parts in the book. Overall i enjoyed it. Well worth the free :P 800 something pages long so it will take you a while :)